A Child Called It Essays

A Child Called It Essays A Child Called It Essay A Child Called It Essay A Child Called It is a first-person narrative of a severely abused child, Dave Pelzer, who has survived to tell his tale. This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures Daves mother inflicted on him, told from his point of view as a young boy. Among the cruel games Daves maniac, alcoholic mother played were smashing him face-first into mirrors, forcing him to eat the contents of his baby brothers diaper, drinking ammonia, and burning him over a gas stove. Daves story has two objectives: the first is to inform the reader how a loving, caring parent can change to a cold, abusive monster venting frustrations on a helpless child; the second is the eventual survival and triumph of the human spirit over seemingly insurmountable odds (164). Dave describes his earlier years as idyllic: In the years before I was abused, my family was the Brady Brunch of the 1960s. My two brothers and I were blessed with the perfect parents. Our every whim was fulfilled with love and care (17). His mothers behavior began to change drastically and Dave and his brothers had become afraid of her. Eventually, Dave was singled out for such vicious treatment. His mother made sure he knew that theres nothing he can do to impress her. She told him, you are a nobody! An It! You are nonexistent! You are a bastard child! I hate you and I wish you were dead! Dead! (140) School held no appeal to Dave either: At school I was a total outcast. I had no one to talk to or play with. I felt all alone (58). Since his mother rarely gave him the luxury of eating food, Dave resorted to stealing from his classmates lunch pails. The teachers and principal knew and carefully watched him. Oddly, his father never intervened. His attempts to talk to his wife about Dave failed, and only worsened the abuse. This caused Dave to hate his father: he was fully aware of the hell I lived in, but he lacked the courage to rescue me as he had promised so many times in the past (134). As the beatings and the torture continued, Dave began to give up: With no dreams, I found that words like hope and faith were only letters, randomly put together into something meaningless-words only for fairy tales (132). Inside, my soul became so cold I hated everything (133). Whats your single greatest accomplishment and why? Im so alive (155). My life as a child was extremely turbulent, being pushed and pulled in every direction. I tried as hard as I could to reach the light at the end of the dark tunnel, but it always seemed out of reach. Until suddenly, without warning, I broke free (156). What was your biggest obstacle? How did you overcome it? My mothers abusing me was no doubt my biggest obstacle. I hated Mother most and wished that she were dead. But before she died, I wanted her to feel the magnitude of my pain and my loneliness for all these years (134). As the years passed by and the beatings became more intense, I wished shed returned with a knife and ended it all.. My morale had become so low that in some self-destructive way I hoped she would kill me (141). But I made a promise to myself that kept me going. I wanted to show The Bitch that she could beat me only if I died, and I was determined not to give in, even to death (91). What one trait or characteristic would you most like to be remembered for? Why? I would definitely most like to be remembered for my resilience. Perhaps my faith and the security of my early years helped me develop enough resilience to survive the abuse and grow up to be an emotionally healthy adult with a child of my own. The challenges of my past have made me immensely strong inside. I adapted quickly, learning how to survive from a bad situation. I learned the secret of internal motivation. My experience gave me a different outlook on life, that others may never know. I have a vast appreciation for things that others may take for granted.. I hope that my story will help instill resilience in others. What was the single, most important thing youve learned? Why do you consider this so? The single, most important thing Ive learned from my past hardships was that even in its darkest passages, the heart is unconquerable. It is important that the body survives, but it is more meaningful that the human spirit prevails (165). I believe that no matter what happens in your past, you can overcome the dark side and press on to a brighter world. It is perhaps a paradox that without the abuse of my past, I might not be what I am today (166). My Reaction: I read A Child Called It in one day. Its one of those books you cant put down because you want to know whats going to happen next. I was always in constant suspense as to what Daves emotionally unstable mother was going to do to him and how he was going to survive the abuse. This book really sunk into my heart and the imagery used in the book helped put a clear picture of the dysfunctional household Dave lived in. The fact that this is a true story and millions of children suffer from the same ordeal saddens me. Also, the fact that he remembers all those horrible things that he went through in the past, in detail, is very sad. Im glad that Dave triumphed not only in finding a better, loving family, but also within himself. If I was in his shoes, I dont think Id be able to make it where he is today. His story truly changed my perspective on life. I realized how lucky I am to belong to a nice, tight-knit family and that I have it good compared to most people.

charles dickens essays

charles dickens essays charles *censored*en's early life was greatly influential in his most famous novels. his childhood was full of tragedies and problems. *censored*ens needed to overcome several obstacles so that he could have a chance at an education. after defeating these hurdles, *censored*ens wrote the novels that have entertained many people for many generations. most of the obstacles that *censored*ens had to face were in his childhood. as a very young child, his father began to go into debt. eventually john *censored*ens was jailed for excessive debt and charles had to work at a boot blackening factory. *censored*ens was able to continue his education after hsi father received a legacy from a relative. not only was his childhood full of hardships, but his young adulthood years were also troublesome. *censored*en's early adulthood was another very infuential period of his life. he became more familiar with writing while working as a newspaper reporter and a free lance reporter in a commons court. also charles met his first love, maria beadnell. he broke off the relationship with her, and later wrote unflattering versions of her in several of his novels like in little dorrit. later *censored*ens met catherine hogart, and then married her. even though she died at a very young age, the had a son. *censored*ens used catherine as an influence in his famous novels. *censored*ens' most adored novel, a christmas carol is still used in many versions in today's society. many movies have come out about this wonderful story. the main character, scrooge, is a grumpy old man, who does not believe int he christmas season. he is met by 3 spirits during christmas eve. the 3 spirits show him the past present and future, so that he will learn how to be giving and loving. in the end of the story, scrooge's ice cold heart melts and he becomes a loving and caring man. a christmas carol is considered to be one on ...

Crimnal Justice Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Crimnal Justice - Coursework Example The two killers also poured hydrochloric acid on the genitals, as well as the face of Frank with the aim of hiding the identity of their victim (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The primary characteristics of the wounds found on the victim were the marks of the chisel used to strike Frank in the head. In addition, there was a cloth that the criminals shoved down the throat of the victim, which led to suffocation that eventually killed Frank. Other primary characteristics included the disfigured face and genitals of Frank, which indicated that a corrosive had been poured on the boy’s body (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The key evidence in the crime scene was a pair of glasses, which belonged to one of the criminals (Leopold). As evidence, the glasses were traced to the original source, which was the seller. The original source was quite instrumental since it was useful in tracing the real owner of the glasses. From the investigation conducted, it was evident that the unique glasses had been sold by one of the stores in Chicago area. In the entire Chicago, only three pairs of such glasses had been sold, with one pair belonging to Leopold (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The motive for killing the victim was to eliminate any evidence and ensure that the criminals cannot be traced. If the culprits only asked for a ransom, and set their victim free, they could be easily identified since one of the killers was a cousin to the victim. The other possible motive for killing was to make headlines. The killers wanted to commit a crime that would attract countrywide and worldwide attention. They seemed to gain satisfaction from being read about in all newspapers about the crime they had committed (Wolcott & Head, 2010). The crime by Leopold and Loeb can be regarded as a homicide that falls under the category of first degree murder. This is because the two planned to kill their victim, Bobby Frank. Their intention to kill the victim and stuff his body

Debt Administration Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Debt Administration - Assignment Example higher interest rate than a municipal bond rated Aa.This is because, according to Moody’s rating ,a bond rated Aa has shows that credit worthiness of the issuer is high hence the issuer will have to pay less interest on the debt being issued, as opposed to a municipal bond rated Baa which are judged to be of medium grade and subject to moderate credit risk, meaning that credit worthiness of the issuer is somewhat good, but not as good as that of the one rated Aa.Municipalities with lower bond ratings ought to pay more interest on debt being issued to compensate for the greater perceived risk associated with the lower rating. Revenue bonds offer higher interest rates than general obligation bonds. This is because, they are somewhat riskier than general obligation bonds as they only rely on the revenue expected to be generated by the facility being built and secured by a specified source of revenue. The general obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing government and its taxing power, making it less risky thus offering the lowest yields. A general obligation bond rated Aa issued by a city. This it is riskier than that issued by the county as it relies on few projects for its repayment. General obligation bonds issued by a county are less risky because they are secured by the county government hence less interest rate on the debt being issued, meaning less returns to the investor. A municipal bond with maturity in 20 years will attract high interest because the longer the credit period, the riskier the debt. This is due to the fact that the future is unknown and the longer the maturity period the higher the risk, hence the issuer has to pay higher interest to compensate for the risk being

Annotate bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Annotate bibliography - Essay Example Thus, all the authors were accredited medical practitioners in wellness programs. Consequently, all the articles selected were secondary sources since information pertaining to workplace wellness programs were derived from pre existing data of existing employer workplace programs. The article delves into the identification of risk factors affecting employee health, and consequently formulating appropriate mitigation mechanisms that are concomitant to workplace lifestyle and logical change process. Moreover, the authors have cited employer initiatives for actively involving and engaging workers in the wellness program. The sole aim is for workers to have a healthier personal outlook, minimize workplace stress and better working environment. Consequently, intervention wellness programs highlighted include the creation of health education plan against smoking, healthy nutrition choice, weight loss program, control of alcohol consumption, and individual stress reduction regiments. Lastly, the article defines the ultimate goals employee wellness programs. These are to increase employer and employee satisfaction through the decrease in absenteeism, enhanced productivity, and better interpersonal relationship between all the actors in the work environment. The article reiterates the importance of wellness programs to both employees and community at large. Consequently, the authors state that workplace health and wellness programs extends to the community by raising awareness on preventive measures for common diseases, like diabetes, obesity, cardio vascular disease, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, Edelman et al. emphasize on the importance of creating wellness as well as motivating employees to participate in the program. Thus, the authors recommend employee programs such as flexible work hours, sufficient break periods, psychosocial support, and reward systems for workers actively involved in the wellness

Aspects of British Culture

Aspects of British Culture Aspects of British Culture What is culture? Is it the language we speak, overall ethnicity in a region, or the simple customs of a daily routine? Culture is something we are all a part of whether we like it or not. Your family may have certain customs and routines. This is culture. In this research paper I will be analyzing British culture in four categories: history, ethnicity, customs, and also the future direction of British Culture. How did Britain become so rich in culture? Well Britain certainly did not just appear one day. The name of the country and the term â€Å"English† derive from the Old English word for one of the three Germanic Peoples that invaded the British Isles in the 5th century (Countries and Their Cultures). The Angles â€Å"Britain† and â€Å"British† derive from a Roman Term for the inhabitants (Countries and Their Cultures). In fact, written records of British History do not exist until the arrival of the Romans (J.P. Dommerville). Before the arrival of the Romans, there is only archaeological evidence of Britain’s inhabitants (J.P. Sommerville). The earliest inhabitants of Britain for whom there is compelling evidence are bands of hunters living in Southern and Western England during the Hoxnian (J.P. Sommerville). Many peoples make up the rich history of British Culture. There were many immigrants that came to found The United Kingdom. Their genes still walk th e grounds today. Just like America this country was founded, and made by immigrants from many different backgrounds. Like many cultures, there are different peoples whom make up the general ethnicity. British Culture is no exception to this understanding. Britain or the U.K. known to others is located in Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea, northwest of France (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The capital of the United Kingdom is London (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The population is roughly 60, 766, 238 people; with an ethnic make-up of White, Black, Indian, Pakistani, Mixed, and Other (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The White Population is composed of: 83.6% English, 8.6% Scottish, 4.9% Welsh, and 2.9% Northern Irish (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The other ethnic populations are composed of: 2% Black, 1.8% Indian, 1.3% Pakistani, 1.2% Mixed, and 1.6% Other (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). As you can see, all of these dif ferent ethnicities will definitely impact culture. So what customs will follow this diverse cultural background? Many people may assume that British Culture is defined with scones and tea, or the rich writings of Shakespeare; however it is not like this at all. There are many customs that British people practice, that Americans or any other type of nationality may find odd. Many customs are associated with the annual climate, and British Culture is once again no exception. The annual climate of the United Kingdom has temperatures that are moderated by southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current, and more than one-half of the days are overcast (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The U.K. is also home to a constitutional monarchy (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Although there is no defined official language due to the diverse cultural background, the primary language is English (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). About 70% of the population speaks English (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Other languages that are frequently spoken include: Welsh, Irish, Ulster Scots, Cornish, Gaelic, and British Sign Language (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The United Kingdom is comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Now all of these countries share a common thing, and that is to address a person from a country properly. For instance, English and British do not mean the same thing (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The term â€Å"British†, denotes someone who is from England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The term â€Å"English†, refers to people from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). People from different countries want to be known for what they are; another example is people from Scotland are identified as â€Å"Scots†. People from Wales are identified as â€Å"Welsh†. People fr om Northern Ireland are identified as â€Å"Irish† (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). The Class System As many people can depict from their prior knowledge, British Culture has been known for their many kings and queens, knights, priests etc., however British Culture has changed. Yes, Britain still has and practices a monarchy form of government, but the class system is somewhat complex. Class is no longer simply about wealth or where one lives; the British are able to assume someone’s class through a number of complex variables (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Brits focus on demeanor, accents, manners, and compartment to determine and factor a class system (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Brits are also facing a very diverse culture, therefore making it difficult to define someone British (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Human Interactions In the United Kingdom, human interaction is of utmost importance. You do not want to offend anyone who is a native, or move there and ignore a culture’s customs. Most of Britain’s population enjoys sport and leisure activities (Currency). In one way or another, Britain’s population is involved in sports or leisurely activities whether as a participant or a spectator (Currency). A difficult thing to grasp might be understanding a regional dialect, or accent (Currency). The British have been historically known for their â€Å"stiff upper lip†, and â€Å"blitz spirit† as demonstrated during the German bombings of World War II (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). This grin and bear it attitude in the face of adversity of embarrassment lives on today (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). In common interaction Brits do not choose to show strong emotion when engaged in conversation (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). This i s not because of their lack to feel, or rudeness; they simply just wish not to display this in public (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). In the U. K. manners are all about a reduction of violence between people (Currency). Religion Religion is a large part of British Culture. Due to the large diversity among British peoples, religion is present in many forms and beliefs. Christianity is a popular religion with many denominations such as: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, and also Methodist. Roughly 71.6% of British population is Christian and belongs to some Christian Denomination (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Other religious practices involved with British Culture are Muslim, Hindu, Other, and unspecified or none. Roughly 2.7% are Muslim, 1% are Hindu, 1.6% are other, and 23.1% are identified as an unspecified or none (UK Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). What does the future hold in store for British Culture? As we can see in the modern day culture is always changing. Culture is definitely different then it was in the seventeenth-century. So what does the future hold in store for British Culture? Well, according to Vikki Heywood (CBE, Chair of the RSA, and formerly executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company), exclaimed that the commissions brought a wealth of experience in the arts and cultural sectors to the task (King’s College London). Heywood also proceeds to exclaim that there are five key goals for the future of the cultural and creative industries (King’s College London). The five goals focus on creating, harnessing, and maintaining a rich cultural and creative ecosystem that contributes to the economic and social success of all areas of the country (King’s College London). In 2013, the cultural and creative industries provided around 77 billion sterling pounds of added value to the global economy (King’s College London). So what does all of this mean? Well the answer is quite simple. The government, cultural, and creative industries need to work together to ensure that everyone has equal access to a rich cultural education, and that conditions are in place for culture, and creativity to play their part in economic success (King’s College London). In conclusion, I would say after doing somewhat extensive research, culture is a broad term. There are so many things that impact culture. All cultures are different; however I feel that I have learned an enormous amount of details from writing this paper. I do feel like I have achieved my goal of analyzing four categories or aspects of British Culture. I also feel like I have effectively covered the history, ethnicity, customs, and future direction of British Culture. British Culture is very rich in history, ethnicity, customs, and also future direction. As of right now it looks as if British Culture is evolving into a very rich and unique position of power. Works Cited â€Å"Countries and Their Cultures†. Culture of England. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. â€Å"Currency†. Learn English. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. â€Å"J.P. Sommerville†. Sommerville: Courses. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. â€Å"King’s College London†. King’s College London-Homepage. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. â€Å"UK-Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette†. UK. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.

Bartleby, The Failure :: essays research papers

Bartleby, the Failure It is not rare, sometimes it is even common, that an author speaks about his or her self in their works. Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener" is often considered such a story. Many of the characters in the story and images created allude to Melville's writing career, which was generally deemed a failure. The main character in the story can either be Bartleby or the narrator, but Melville partially embodies both of them. We are understanding towards the narrator's reasoning for keeping Bartleby and for the sympathy he shows for Bartleby. After the general failure of Moby Dick, at least in Melville's time, he immediately wrote Pierre, which was a deeply personal novel. This self pity could have been continued in "Bartleby, the Scrivener". In addition, Bartleby seemed to feel that continuing copying was worthless, possibly from spending many years in a dead letter office. Melville probably felt this way, but needed to continue writing to support his family. When Bartleby is in prison, he wastes away without abruptly dying, a degeneration until the point no one notices his absence. Melville had reached the prime of his popularity early in his career, so when he published Moby Dick, his career was already in decline. His disappointment was only to increase as his career diminished until his death which was hardly noticed in the literary community. The narrator also resembles Melville, but in a different way. Melville uses the narrator to view his own situation from a 3rd person perspective. He attempts, and is somewhat successful, in getting readers to feel sympathy for Bartleby, therefore, sympathy for him. On the contrary, the narrator also scorns Bartleby's persistence after he stops copying: "In plain fact, he had now become a millstone to me†¦"(1149). In this respect, the narrator also represents Melville's literary critics. Behind the relationship between Melville, the narrator, and Bartleby, one can also see the relationship between the narrator and an ideal audience that Melville would have wanted. He probably wished that his writing would be more popular among the readers, although he professed his own demise with Bartleby's atrophy. His other employees, Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut, were similar to other writers who inspired Melville, such as